By what guidelines is ethical decision-making in social work typically informed?

Ethical decision-making in social work is primarily informed by the NASW Code of Ethics and relevant laws. The NASW Code of Ethics serves as a foundational document that outlines the ethical principles and values that guide social workers in their practice. It emphasizes the importance of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the individual, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.

Additionally, relevant laws are crucial in helping social workers navigate the legal landscape in which they operate, ensuring that their practices comply with legal standards and safeguards clients' rights. By relying on the NASW Code of Ethics alongside applicable laws, social workers can make informed and ethical decisions that uphold their professional responsibilities and the welfare of their clients.

Other options, such as a client’s personal values, sociological theories, or insurance company policies, may provide context or influence certain aspects of practice but do not serve as the primary guidelines for ethical decision-making. Personal values can vary widely and may not align with professional ethics. Sociological theories offer frameworks for understanding human behavior and social interactions but are not specifically designed to provide ethical guidance in social work. Insurance company policies tend to focus on financial and procedural standards rather than the ethical considerations of client care and professional responsibility.